Opus 482

Aria: Caritas abundat in omnia (2002)

for English Horn and Organ

Aria: Caritas abundat in omnia (2002) for English horn and organ was written for and is dedicated to Toni Marie Marchioni.

The work is a subdued and lyrical aria for English horn and organ, suitable for either concert or church uses. An opening section of unfolding/introduction leads to a gentle aria over a pulsing accompaniment which builds to a climax. A warm coda closes the work.

The title of the piece is taken from a poem by Hildegard von Bingen (1098–1179), the Medieval abbess, which appears above the score. In English translation, it reads as follows:

“Loving tenderness abounds for all from the darkest to the most eminent one beyond the stars,

Exquisitely loving all she bequeaths the kiss of peace upon the highest King.”